Thursday, March 11, 2010

Home to some of the most beautiful gardens in the world - including a number of UNESCO World Heritage Sites - Japan has no shortage of spots for the gardening enthusiast to visit. Since our arrival a little less than a year ago I've had the pleasure of visiting many of these and been amazed again and again.

Yet, what I find the most striking and what still makes me pull a camera out time and time again are the everyday gardens tucked in every corner of the city.

While usually not large nor even, in some cases, resplendent, these everyday gardens offer little slivers of hope in what can be a gray cityscape. I imagine the hand and heart that tend the pot, savor the herb, and admire the bloom. And I realize that up there on the tenth floor or behind the door of that stoop is a fellow gardener.

Further Exploration

If you can't wander the streets of Tokyo in person, here are a few things to whet your traveling (and gardening!) appetite.

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

Inspired by the wide variety of gardens I see all around me each day here in Tokyo, I though I would document them. We've visited any number of large famous sites during our time here, and seen some very incredible gardens.

Yet, my favorites are still those I walk past on the way to the station or bike past on the way to the market. Everyday people creating a little bit of beauty in a city that can feel more than a little overwhelming and gray at times are what I'm trying to capture here. And what I hope others will come to admire as much as I do.